JP2024505856A - Retractable access means with foldable handrail assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

An access system (10) for a vehicle, equipment, or facility, the access system (10) having at least one section having a plurality of treads/steps (56) and at least one actuator (28). a storage mechanism and at least one handrail assembly (32), the storage mechanism arranged to store and enable deployment of the access means (12), the handrail assembly (32) configured to pivotably connected to the access means (12) to expand to provide a handrail for supporting the user when the access means (12) is deployed; access system.

Description

The present invention relates to retractable access systems.

One or more particular non-limiting forms of the invention relate to stowable access systems for earthmoving and construction vehicles.

A retractable access system includes an access means (such as a staircase or ladder) that is deployable from a stowed position and retractable from a deployed position.

The term "retractable" or "deployable" includes at least the pivoting movement of the access means (stairs or ladders), such as folding/unfolding sections of the access means relative to each other, or nesting/nesting. May include taking out.

Systems using deployable/retractable access means may be installed on large earthmoving and construction vehicles. For example, deployable/retractable access means (e.g., stairs or tilted ladders) may allow vehicle operators to operate without climbing a vertical ladder, which may have a negative slope, unless the equipment is parked on level ground. It is provided so that it can be climbed onto a platform.

The access means is deployable from a stowed position (the vehicle is safely movable when the access means is stowed) and (e.g., access/exit to/from the vehicle is required and the vehicle is stationary). It will be appreciated that the device can be retracted from the deployed position (at times).

When the operator is on the machine, the access means (stairs or ladders) are retracted so that the access means does not hang downwards and/or outwards, increasing the ground clearance of the machine and thereby making it easier for the machine to move. Minimize the chance of damage from contact with rocks when

The access means also needs to be stowed so that other workers cannot climb onto the machine without the operator's knowledge. If a person is on the access means without the operator's knowledge, there is a strong possibility that the person will be injured. Possible injuries can range from a person losing balance and falling to being crushed or trapped between the working parts/wheels of the equipment and the vehicle body adjacent to the equipment.

The systems used to house the access means can vary widely, but generally rely on either electrical or hydraulic systems that are manually actuated by an operator.

In particular, vehicles may have limited storage space for stored access means. Additionally, deployment or stowage movements of full-length access means can create separation issues with vehicle components and/or infrastructure/personnel adjacent to the vehicle. Such spacing problems may also exist in non-vehicle applications of deployable/retractable access means.

Access systems are safer for workers to use if they have handrails. The handrail provides protection and stable support for the worker when ascending and descending the access means. Handrails may be required to meet national or international safety or operational standards, such as ISO (International Organization for Standardization) or AS (Australian Standards).

However, the space required by the handrail, as well as the need to deploy and retract the handrail along with the access means, poses technical robustness and reliability challenges when developing handrails suitable for retractable access systems.

For mining vehicles and heavy vehicles, the handrails of known access systems are physically connected to the vehicle and the access means. As a result, complex structural folds and telescoping connections and shapes are required to compensate for changes in the positional and angular relationships between the handrail and the access means.

In view of the above, it is an object of the present invention to provide a retractable access system comprising a collapsible handrail device attached to the access means of the system, stowed and deployed in conjunction with the access means, and operated by the storage mechanism of the access means. The goal is to provide a system.

Where any prior art is referred to herein, such reference constitutes an admission that the prior art forms part of the common knowledge in the field to which the invention pertains, in Australia, or in any other country. I hope you understand that I don't.

In view of the above, an aspect of the present invention is an access system for a vehicle, equipment, or facility, the access system comprising at least one section having a plurality of treads/steps and an access means; a storage mechanism for enabling deployment, and at least one handrail assembly, the handrail assembly being folded to at least one section for storage and for supporting a user when the access means is deployed. An access system is provided, the access system being pivotally connected to an access means for expansion to provide a handrail.

When the handrail is attached and attached to the side of the vehicle, a telescoping handrail is required to prevent the handrail from bending overcenter, similar to known access systems. . Unless complex joints and telescoping devices are provided to offset the overcenter problem caused by the handrail being mounted connected to the vehicle, when the handrail bends overcenter, The handrail cannot be easily re-expanded from its folded position.

One or more forms of the invention overcome such limitations by having a handrail assembly that is operable to fold/expand using a storage mechanism and that is attached to an access means.

Advantageously, a coupling device extending from the storage mechanism to the handrail/rail baluster and operatively connected to the storage mechanism prevents the need for connection of the handrail to a vehicle, equipment, or facility. .

Access means, storage mechanisms, and foldable handrail assemblies attach to vehicles, equipment, or equipment without the need for connecting the handrail directly to the vehicle, equipment, or equipment, or requiring complex joints and telescoping devices. It can be provided as an assembly for.

The linkage connecting the at least one actuator to the baluster to which the handrail is pivotably attached is configured such that overcenter problems are avoided.

At least one handrail assembly can be operated to fold and expand relative to at least one section by mechanical connection to the storage mechanism.

This mechanical connection may be provided via a pivotable linkage. The pivotable linkage may include a link between each handrail assembly and a portion of the storage mechanism.

Folding and/or expansion of the at least one handrail assembly may be actuated by operation of the at least one actuator for retracting and/or deploying the access means.

The at least one actuator may include at least one hydraulic actuator, at least one pneumatic actuator, and/or at least one electric actuator.

The linkage between the handrail assembly and the storage mechanism may include a linkage connected to a baluster or a portion of a baluster of the respective handrail assembly.

Balusters are vertical members connected directly or indirectly between each handrail and horizontal members extending along the sides of that section to support the steps/treads of that section. /expanded). A baluster may be pivotally connected to the handrail and the horizontal member/side, for example by a pivot connection to a bracket or a direct pivot connection.

Preferably, the access means and the baluster connected between the actuator and the handrail rotate in the same direction relative to the mount/vehicle, equipment, equipment during storage and deployment.

Preferably, during storage or deployment, the baluster connected to the actuator rotates through a smaller angle or at a lower speed than the access means.

During storage, the access means is rotated upwardly and the respective handrails are folded towards the access means, while both the access means and the baluster connected to the actuator are rotated in the same direction relative to the mount. is preferred.

During deployment, the access means is rotated downward and the respective handrail is moved outwardly from the access means, while both the access means and the baluster connected to the actuator are in the same orientation relative to the mount. It is preferable to rotate it.

A baluster may be operably connected to at least one actuator of the storage mechanism and the handrail.

The baluster may be arranged and configured such that the baluster rotates relative to the mount (via the at least one pivot connection) in the same direction that the staircase rotates during storage or deployment of the access means. .

The access means and the baluster may be arranged and configured to rotate in the same direction (via at least one pivot connection) relative to the mount/vehicle, equipment, equipment during storage and deployment.

The baluster, which may be operatively connected to the at least one actuator, is configured to rotate at a smaller angle or at a slower speed than the access means during storage or deployment.

During storage, the access means is arranged and configured such that the access means rotates upwardly and the respective handrails fold toward the access means, while both the access means and the balusters rotate in the same direction relative to the mount. do.

During deployment, the access means is arranged and configured such that the access means is rotated downward and the respective handrails are moved outwardly relative to the access means, while both the access means and the balusters are rotated relative to the mount. rotate in the same direction.

Preferably, the baluster includes a member extending between the connection to the handrail and the connection to the access means.

The connection to the handrail and/or the connection to the access means may include respective pivot connections.

Preferably, the baluster is connected to a linkage which is pivotally connected to at least one actuator.

The baluster may be operatively connected to at least one further baluster by a handrail and/or at least one intermediate baluster. An intermediate handrail relates to a safety handrail that extends between at least two adjacent balusters and is located remote from the handrail and the access means.

The distance between the main pivot connecting the access means to the mount and the connection between the access means and the at least one actuator is such that the distance between the connection between the linkage and the access means and the connection between the linkage and the at least one actuator is greater than the distance between.

The term "baluster" provides a physical connection (direct or indirect) between the respective handrail and the access means, similar to the vertical members between the handrail and the horizontal members of a conventional fixed staircase. In the present invention, the baluster is pivotally connected to the access means, such that the baluster stands upright when deployed and towards the access means during storage. It will be appreciated that the handrail assembly can be pivoted (for example, for storage of the access means with the handrail assembly folded down).

The access means may rotate through an angle that is greater than the angle of rotation of the at least one baluster/handrail assembly between a fully deployed position and a fully retracted position of the access means. The shape and length of the one or more links/connections, such as the spacing and/or position of the pivot connections, are arranged and configured to produce the required angular values, e.g. as shown in the accompanying drawings. It is possible to

The access means is retractable or deployable over a rotational angle of up to 175°, preferably up to 160°, more preferably up to 150°, and even more preferably up to about 135° between fully deployed and fully retracted positions. It is. The respective angle can be determined relative to the mount on which the access means is placed on the pivot axis.

At least one baluster of the handrail assembly connected for rotation with respect to the access means, preferably an active baluster connected to the storage mechanism, adjusts the angle of rotation of the access means between a fully deployed position and a fully stowed position. Rotate through an angle equivalent to 15% to 40%, preferably 20% to 35% of the total.

The handrail assembly may be rotated over a rotation angle of 15% to 40%, preferably 20% to 35% of the rotation angle of the access means.

One or more intermediate balusters extend between successive balusters. One or more intermediate handrails may be pivotally connected to a respective baluster at each end of the intermediate handrail.

An access system may include multiple sections each having multiple treads/steps. Preferably, at least the first and second said sections are pivotally connected, such as for compact storage.

A linkage may be provided to transfer motion between the first section and the second section. The coupling device may include a first transmission link and a second transmission link pivotally connected to each other. At least one of the transfer links may be connected to an intermediate handrail or baluster of the second section.

The storage action of the storage mechanism may raise the distal (lower) end of the first (upper) section and cause the handrail assembly engaged with the first section to begin folding with respect to the first section. can.

During storage, multiple sections may be adjacent to each other.

Another aspect of the invention is a method of stowing an access system incorporating at least one foldable handrail assembly, the step of operating a stowage mechanism having an actuator for driving stowage of an access means, the method comprising: A method is provided that includes the step of a storage mechanism driving folding of a handrail assembly relative to an access means.

Storage of the access means may include pivoting of a second section of the access means with respect to a first section of the access means, each said section comprising a number of treads/steps of the access means.

The first section may include a first handrail assembly, the second section may include a second handrail assembly, and storage of the access means collapses the first and second handrail assemblies.

Preferably, folding of the second handrail assembly is driven by a mechanical connection of the second handrail assembly to the first section and/or the first handrail assembly.

A coupling device may transmit motion to the handrail assembly of the second section and drive the handrail assembly engaged with the second section to fold relative to the second section.

It will be appreciated that deployment of the access means may be the reverse of the steps of storing and using the storage mechanism.

Power for the at least one actuator may be provided by a vehicle, equipment, or equipment, such as an onboard hydraulic, pneumatic, or electrical source. Alternatively, a dedicated power source can be provided.

Folding of the second handrail assembly may be driven by a mechanical connection of the second handrail assembly to the first section and/or the first handrail assembly.

A storage mechanism may be arranged and configured to operate between the access means and a mount that connects the access means to a vehicle, equipment, or facility.

Preferably, at least one handrail assembly is pivotally attached to the access means.

The access means may be attached to a mount on a vehicle, equipment, or facility, and a storage mechanism may be operatively connected between the mount and the access means.

A baluster may be operably connected to at least one actuator of the storage mechanism and the handrail.

The baluster may be rotated relative to the mount in the same direction that the access means is rotated during storage or deployment of the access means.

The access means and balusters can be rotated in the same direction relative to the mount/vehicle, equipment, equipment during storage and deployment.

A baluster operatively connected to the at least one actuator is rotated at a smaller angle or at a lower speed than the access means during storage or deployment.

During storage, the access means can be rotated upwards and the respective handrails folded towards the access means, while both the access means and the balusters are rotated in the same direction relative to the mount.

During deployment, the access means may be rotated downwards and the respective handrails are moved outwardly as seen from the access means, while both the access means and the balusters are rotated in the same direction relative to the mount.

The baluster may include a member extending between the connection to the handrail and the connection to the access means. The connection to the handrail and/or the connection to the access means includes respective pivot connections.

A baluster may be connected to a linkage pivotally connected to at least one actuator. The baluster and linkage may be a component, such as a continuous member/element, preferably made of metal.

The baluster may be operatively connected to at least one further baluster by a handrail and/or at least one intermediate baluster.

The distance between the main pivot connecting the access means to the mount and the connection between the access means and the at least one actuator is such that the distance between the linkage and the access means and between the linkage and the at least one actuator is It may be greater than the distance between the connections. Such a difference in leverage distance allows the access means to rotate more angularly and/or faster than the baluster (thus, stowage of the access means may be caused by folding the balustrade). ).

One or more embodiments or examples of the invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Figures 1A and 1B illustrate stages of stowage of a two-section access means with foldable handrails (reverse FIGS. 1D-1A show stages of deployment), according to an embodiment of the invention; FIGS. Figures 1A and 1B illustrate stages of stowage of a two-section access means with foldable handrails (reverse FIGS. 1D-1A show stages of deployment), according to an embodiment of the invention; FIGS. Figures 1A and 1B illustrate stages of stowage of a two-section access means with foldable handrails (reverse FIGS. 1D-1A show stages of deployment), according to an embodiment of the invention; FIGS. Figures 1A and 1B illustrate stages of stowage of a two-section access means with foldable handrails (reverse FIGS. 1D-1A show stages of deployment), according to an embodiment of the invention; FIGS. 2E-2A show stages of stowage of an access means with a folding handrail according to a further embodiment of the invention (in reverse order FIGS. 2E-2A show stages of deployment); FIG. 2E-2A show stages of stowage of an access means with a folding handrail according to a further embodiment of the invention (in reverse order FIGS. 2E-2A show stages of deployment); FIG. 2E-2A show stages of stowage of an access means with a folding handrail according to a further embodiment of the invention (in reverse order FIGS. 2E-2A show stages of deployment); FIG. 2E-2A show stages of stowage of an access means with a folding handrail according to a further embodiment of the invention (in reverse order FIGS. 2E-2A show stages of deployment); FIG. 2E-2A show stages of stowage of an access means with a folding handrail according to a further embodiment of the invention (in reverse order FIGS. 2E-2A show stages of deployment); FIG.

It will be appreciated that access systems are typically powered by hydraulic, pneumatic, or electric drives.

Similarly, the access means of the access system is attached to a vehicle or other equipment/equipment requiring user entry/exit by means of the access means. Diagrammatic representations of vehicles, equipment or installations are shown in the figures as schematic examples of the installation of access means.

In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the detailed description. The exemplary embodiments described in this detailed description, illustrated in the drawings, and defined in the claims are not intended to be limiting. Other embodiments are available, and other changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the presented subject matter. Aspects of the present disclosure, generally as described herein and illustrated in the drawings, can be arranged, substituted, combined, separated, and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are contemplated by this disclosure. That will be easily understood.

1A-1D illustrate stages of stowage of a two-section access means with foldable handrails according to an embodiment of the invention (reverse FIGS. 1D-1A show stages of deployment); FIG. .

FIG. 1A shows the access means 12 fully deployed. FIG. 1B shows the access means partially retracted. FIG. 1C shows further retracted access means. FIG. 1D shows the access means fully retracted.

Access system 10 includes an access means 12 that is attached to a vehicle, equipment, or facility 14 .

The access means may include a single section incorporating fixed or folded steps/treads, or multiple sections arranged and configured to pivot/hinged with respect to each other. The sections can be folded together or nested together when stowed/stored.

The single section or sections of the access means includes a plurality of steps/treads 56 that are used in ascending or descending to walk on the access means.

In the example shown in FIGS. 1A-1D, the access means includes a two-section access means (eg, a staircase) incorporating a first (upper when deployed) section 16 and a second (lower when deployed) section 18. ) provided as.

First section 16 and second section 18 are connected together by at least one pivot device 20 . The pivot device 20 allows the first and second sections to be folded against each other during storage and deployment.

This access means is attached to the vehicle, equipment or equipment 14. The main pivot device 22 allows pivotal movement of the access means 12 during storage and deployment.

At least one actuator 24 (eg, hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical) connects between link 26 and actuator bracket 28 . Linkage 26 connects the actuator to a main bracket 30 attached to a vehicle, equipment, or facility. A collapsible handrail assembly 32 is pivotally attached to each section 16,18.

Each handrail assembly 32 includes a handrail 34 (34A, 34B) pivotally connected via one or more balusters 36 (36A, 36B, 36C). Each baluster is pivotally connected to a respective handrail and a respective section of the access means.

First transmission arm 38 and second transmission arm 40 are pivotally connected. First transmission arm 38 is also pivotally connected to the lower end of first section 16 . A second transmission arm 40 is pivotally connected to the upper end of second section 18 .

Transmission link 42 transmits motion from second transmission arm 40 to handrail assembly 32 of second section 18 .

During storage of the exemplary multi-section access means, when the first (upper) section is raised by the operation of actuator 24, the pivot of the upper end (attachment end) and pivoting from the second section causes the first section to Folding begins below.

Motion is transmitted via a link member 44 that is connected to a baluster link 46 that is connected to the upper baluster 36A. Upper baluster 36A is pivotally connected to handrail 34A and is further pivotally connected to first intermediate handrail 48.

Movement is transmitted to the second baluster 36B via the pivotable connection and to the third baluster 36C via the second intermediate balustrade 50.

Movement is transmitted from the transmission link 42 to the upper baluster 36D of the second section 18. The first intermediate handrail 52 of the second section 18 transmits motion to the intermediate baluster 36E, and the second intermediate handrail 54 transmits motion to the lower baluster 36F. Handrail 34B is also pivotally connected to the baluster, thereby having a pivotal connection with intermediate handrail and transfer link 42.

As shown in FIG. 1D, the multi-section access means 12 is stored in the storage position with the first and second sections folded together. The handrail assembly is designed such that the handrails 34 (34A, 34B) can be folded to reduce storage space, providing greater clearance around vehicles, equipment, and equipment, and providing full-length stowed access with the same overall length. It is arranged to reduce leverage and associated wear on the main pivot that may otherwise be present in the means.

2A-2E are diagrams illustrating stages of stowage of an access means with a folding handrail (reverse FIGS. 2E-2A depicting stages of deployment) according to a further embodiment of the invention.

The access means 12 of the single section 17 of the access system 10 according to a further embodiment of the invention is pivotally mounted to the vehicle, equipment or installation 14 via a main pivot device 22 . Preferably, the main pivot device has a main pivot axis.

Link portion 26 is connected to the end of actuator 24 . The opposite end of the actuator is connected to an actuator bracket 28. The actuator is powered by hydraulic pressure, pneumatic pressure, or electricity.

Actuator 28 may be or include a single or double acting ram. For single-acting rams, actuation can extend the ram and raise (retract) the access means. Lowering can be by gravity, with optional pressure/flow control from the ram to damp/control deployment motion/speed.

Motion is transmitted through a link member 44 that is connected to a baluster link 46 that is connected to the upper baluster 36A. Upper baluster 36A is pivotally connected to handrail 34A and is further pivotally connected to first intermediate handrail 48.

Movement is transmitted to the second baluster 36B via the pivotable connection and to the third baluster 36C via the second intermediate balustrade 50.

Handrail 34 is connected to balusters 36A, 36B, 36C and thereby pivotally connected to access means section 17 and intermediate handrails 48, 50.

When the actuator expands (see Figure 2B), the distal (lower) end of the section rises. Link arm 44 and baluster link 46 pivot about the pivot connection to the access means. When that section is raised, the handrail assembly 32 collapses.

Further expansion of the actuator (see FIG. 2C) further collapses the handrail assembly 32 as the section 17 of the access means 12 is raised (retracted).

The access means 12 is stowed upward into an upright storage position (see FIG. 2E) and the handrail assembly is folded for storage.

During storage, the at least one actuator drives the access means to rotate upwardly relative to the mount/vehicle, equipment, equipment to which the access means is attached. A handrail assembly is attached to the access means. The handrail assembly is driven to fold toward the access means via a connection of the baluster to the at least one actuator, while rotating in the same direction as the access means.

During storage, the handrail assembly rotates at a lower speed or angle of rotation than the access means, and when both are rotated upwardly relative to the mount, the handrail assembly and at least one actuator close together. A physical link connection between and a pivotable connection of the handrail to the baluster (and any intermediate handrails) allows the handrail assembly to be folded (and extended during the reverse movement of unfolding). It will be understood to do so.

By avoiding direct/fixed connections between the handrail assembly and vehicles, equipment, and equipment, the need for complex pivoting and telescoping connections between parts of the handrail assembly is avoided.

Furthermore, the handrail assembly, the access means, and the at least one actuator can be provided as a complete system without requiring attachment to the at least one actuator and connection to the vehicle, equipment, or equipment other than through any power source. Self-contained access systems are beneficial in that they are

The access means is retractable or deployable over a rotational angle of up to 175°, preferably up to 160°, more preferably up to 150°, and even more preferably up to about 135° between fully deployed and fully retracted positions. It is.

At least one baluster of the handrail assembly connected for rotation with respect to the access means, preferably an active baluster connected to the stowage mechanism, rotates the access means between a fully deployed position and a fully stowed position. Rotate through an angle equivalent to 15% to 40% of the total rotation angle.

For an exemplary vehicle application, the rotation angle of the access means is 135°, and the baluster rotates approximately 30.5% (approximately 47.25 degrees) of the rotation of the access means.

The handrail assembly is capable of being rotated through a rotation angle between 15% and 30% of the rotation angle of the access means.

In the following claims and the foregoing description of the invention, the word "comprise" or the like "comprises" or the like is used, unless the context otherwise requires for clarity or necessary implication. 'comprises' or 'comprising' is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specifically describe the presence of the features already mentioned, but does not exclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention. It is used as such.

Claims (49)

An access system for a vehicle, equipment, or facility, the access system comprising:
at least one section having a plurality of treads/steps, a storage mechanism having at least one actuator, and at least one handrail assembly;
the storage mechanism is arranged to store and enable deployment of the access means;
The handrail assembly is configured to be foldable relative to the at least one section for storage and expandable to provide a handrail for supporting a user when the access means is deployed. an access system pivotally connected to said access means. The access system of claim 1, wherein the at least one handrail assembly is operated to fold and expand with respect to the at least one section by a mechanical connection to the storage mechanism. 3. The access system of claim 2, wherein the mechanical connection is via a pivotable linkage. 4. The access system of claim 3, wherein the pivotable linkage includes a link between the respective handrail assembly and a portion of the storage mechanism. 5. The access system of claim 4, wherein the linkage between the handrail assembly and the storage mechanism includes the linkage connected to at least one baluster or a portion thereof of the respective handrail assembly. . 6. Folding and/or expansion of the at least one handrail assembly is actuated by operation of the at least one actuator for stowing and/or unfolding the access means. access system. 7. The access system of claim 6, wherein the at least one actuator includes at least one hydraulic actuator, at least one pneumatic actuator, and/or at least one electrical actuator. 6. The access system of claim 5, wherein one or more intermediate handrails extend between successive said balusters. 9. The access system of claim 8, wherein the one or more intermediate handrails are pivotally connected to the respective baluster at each end of the intermediate handrail. Access system according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a plurality of sections each having a number of treads/steps. 11. The access system of claim 10, wherein at least the first and second sections are pivotally connected together. 12. The access system of claim 11, wherein at least one linkage is provided to transfer motion between the first section and the second section. 13. The access system of claim 12, wherein the linkage includes a first transfer link and a second transfer link pivotally connected to each other. 14. The access system of claim 13, wherein at least one of the transfer links is connected to an intermediate handrail or baluster of the second section. An access system according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the linkage is arranged and configured to transmit motion to the handrail assembly of the second section. Access system according to any one of claims 10 to 15, wherein the plurality of sections are adjacent to each other when stored. An access system according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least one handrail assembly is attached to the access means. 5. The access means is mounted on a mount on a vehicle, equipment, or facility, and the storage mechanism is operatively connected between the mount and the access means. 17. The access system according to 17. The access system of claim 1, wherein a baluster is operably connected to the at least one actuator of the storage mechanism and the handrail. 20. The access system of claim 19, wherein the baluster rotates relative to the mount in the same direction that the access means rotates during storage or deployment of the access means. 20. An access system according to claim 19, wherein the access means and the baluster rotate in the same direction relative to the mount/vehicle, equipment, equipment during stowage and deployment. 22. Any one of claims 19 to 21, wherein during storage or deployment, a baluster operably connected to the at least one actuator is configured to rotate through a smaller angle or at a slower speed than the access means. Access system as described in Section. During storage, the access means is rotated upwardly and the respective handrails are folded towards the access means, while both the access means and the baluster are rotated in the same direction relative to the mount. The access system according to any one of claims 19 to 22. During deployment, the access means is configured to rotate downwardly and the respective handrails are moved away from the access means, while both the access means and the balusters are connected to the mounts. Access system according to any one of claims 19 to 22, rotating in the same direction relative to the access system. An access system according to any one of claims 19 to 24, wherein the baluster includes a member extending between a connection to the handrail and a connection to the access means. 26. Access system according to claim 25, wherein the connection to the handrail and/or the connection to the access means includes respective pivot connections. Access system according to any one of claims 19 to 26, wherein the baluster is connected to a linkage pivotally connected to the at least one actuator. Access system according to any one of claims 19 to 27, wherein the baluster is operatively connected to at least one further baluster by the handrail and/or at least one intermediate handrail. The distance between the main pivot connecting the access means to the mount and the connection between the access means and the at least one actuator is such that the distance between the connection between the linkage and the access means and between the linkage and the at least one actuator is Access system according to any one of claims 19 to 28, which is greater than the distance between connections with at least one actuator. Access system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the access means, storage mechanism and foldable handrail assembly are provided as an assembly for attachment to a vehicle, equipment or installation. A method of storing an access system incorporating at least one foldable handrail assembly, the method comprising: operating a storage mechanism having an actuator for driving storage of an access means, the storage mechanism being connected to the access means; A method comprising the step of driving folding of the handrail assembly relative to the handrail assembly. 32. The method of claim 31, wherein storage of the access means comprises pivoting a second section of the access means with respect to a first section of the access means, each section comprising a number of treads/steps of the access means. Method described. the first section includes a first handrail assembly, the second section includes a second handrail assembly, and storage of the access means collapses the first handrail assembly and the second handrail assembly; 33. The method of claim 32. 32. The method of claim 31, wherein folding of the second handrail assembly is driven by a mechanical connection of the second handrail assembly to the first section and/or the first handrail assembly. 35. A method according to any one of claims 31 to 34, wherein the storage mechanism operates between the access means and a mount connecting the access means to a vehicle, equipment or installation. 32. The method of claim 31, wherein a baluster is operably connected to the at least one actuator of the storage mechanism and the handrail. 37. The access method of claim 36, wherein the baluster is rotated relative to the mount in the same direction that the access means is rotated during storage or deployment of the access means. 37. An access method according to claim 36, wherein the access means and the baluster are rotated in the same direction relative to the mount/vehicle, equipment, equipment during storage and deployment. Access according to any one of claims 36 to 38, wherein a baluster operably connected to the at least one actuator is rotated through a smaller angle or at a slower speed than the access means during storage or deployment. Method. During storage, the access means is rotated upwardly and the respective handrails are folded towards the access means, while both the access means and the balusters are rotated in the same direction relative to the mount. , the access method according to any one of claims 36 to 39. During deployment, the access means is rotated downwards and the respective handrails are moved away from the access means, while both the access means and the balusters are in the same direction relative to the mount. Access method according to any one of claims 36 to 40, wherein the access method is rotated. An access method according to any one of claims 36 to 41, wherein the baluster includes a member extending between a connection to the handrail and a connection to the access means. 43. An access method according to claim 42, wherein the connection to the handrail and/or the connection to the access means includes respective pivot connections. Access method according to any one of claims 36 to 43, wherein the baluster is connected to a linkage pivotally connected to the at least one actuator. Access method according to any one of claims 36 to 44, wherein the baluster is operatively connected to at least one further baluster by the handrail and/or at least one intermediate handrail. The distance between the main pivot connecting the access means to the mount and the connection between the access means and the at least one actuator is such that the distance between the connection between the linkage and the access means and between the linkage and the at least one actuator is Access system according to any one of claims 36 to 45, which is greater than the distance between connections with at least one actuator. said access means being stowed or deployed over a rotational angle of up to 175°, preferably up to 160°, more preferably up to 150°, even more preferably up to about 135° between fully deployed and fully stowed positions; 47. The method according to any one of claims 31 to 46. At least one baluster connected for rotation with respect to said access means has an angle of rotation of between 15% and 40%, preferably between 20% and 35%, of the total rotational angle of said access means between fully deployed and fully retracted positions. 48. The method of claim 47, wherein the method rotates through an angle equivalent to %. 48. The handrail assembly is rotated over a rotation angle of between 15% and 40%, preferably between 20% and 35% of the rotation angle of the access means. the method of.

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